A woman was shown no mercy as she tried to stop five intruders beating her boyfriend with hammers, screwdrivers and baseball bats, the High Court heard today.

Lisa Gordon was kicked on the ground after throwing herself onto partner Ian Price and begging the gang to stop, prosecutors claimed.

Police seeking a possible motive for last week's attack in Ballywalter, Co Down were said to be examining one of Mr Price's previous relationships.

Details emerged as bail was refused to the 33-year-old man accused of being the "main mover".

Jonathan Paul Vance, of Eccles Street in Belfast, is charged with causing grievous bodily harm on Mr Price with intent, assaulting Ms Gordon and aggravated burglary at her home while armed with a hammer.

Five men broke into the Bartley's Wood property shortly before 5am on April 6, the court heard.

Prosecution counsel claimed Ms Gordon tried to stop them getting upstairs to her partner, only for Vance to grab her by the throat as two others pushed past her.

Although Mr Price had jumped out a bedroom window in a bid to escape he was captured outside and beaten by the gang wielding bats, screwdrivers and hammers, Mr Justice Weir was told.

"Ms Gordon attempted to shield him by throwing herself over his head," the prosecutor said.

"She said she turned to face the males to beg them to stop. It was then she was kicked on the head."

Her boyfriend sustained puncture wounds to his lung, scalp, and torso. He also suffered fractures to his right elbow and left ankle.

Ms Gordon was also left with cuts, bruises and scratches.

Opposing bail, the prosecution barrister said: "Both complainants have named the applicant as the main mover."

She added: "No mercy was shown to the female when she intervened. She was grabbed by the throat initially on the stairs and kicked when she tried to protect her male companion."

The court heard no definite motive has been established. However, police have identified a previous relationship between Mr Price and a woman associated with Vance.

The accused denies any involvement in the attack, claiming he was with his girlfriend in Bangor at the time.

Defence counsel said: "She has given a statement to police that this applicant was with her... until about 6am."

The barrister also contended: "There's no motive for him (Vance) to do it, but there's a motive to maybe implicate him."

But refused bail, Mr Justice Weir cited the risk of further offences.

He said: "This is a very serious matter indeed. I have to go with the prosecution case at it's present height."